| Reported: 15 February 2025 | Location: Approximately 100nm east of Aden, Yemen |
Incident Details
UKMTO has released Warning 009-25, which stated the master of an unnamed vessel reported being followed by multiple small craft for approximately 2 hours with shots being fired. The master altered course towards the Yemeni coast, and the small craft left the vicinity. The crew and vessel were reported as safe.
Fig1. Approximate Location of Incident – 100nm east of Aden, Yemen
Comment. This is the first security incident in the west of the Gulf of Aden this year. At this time, it is unclear what the motive may have been for the approach by the group of small craft. It is also unclear if the shots were fired from the approaching craft or from armed guards onboard the vessel. Later, unverified reports suggest the vessel ran aground while trying to evade the attackers but was able to free itself and continue its journey. There have been over 20 fishing and 4 commercial vessels hijacked since a resurgence of Somali-based piracy began in November 2023.
Assessment. While assessed as unlikely, it is possible that this incident was linked to pirate activity. However, Somali pirates do not usually operate using multiple craft or as far east within the Gulf of Aden where this incident took place. It is possible and more likely that the ship interacted with local pattern of life (POL) activity such as fishing. Local fishermen are known to carry guns for the protection of their equipment and catch. It is also possible that the vessel was approached by elements of the Yemen Coast Guard due to the vessel’s proximity to the coast. We advise shipping to be vigilant while transiting the area, comply with the guidance given in the recently released BMP – Maritime Security publication BMP-Maritime-Security-2025-.pdf and consider the use of an Armed Security Team (AST).
